The Bossier Arts Council is dedicated to fostering, promoting, supporting and providing cultural events and arts programming of the highest quality for Bossier Parish. The Bossier Arts Council emphasizes this mission by: focusing on the growth and education of artists and arts organizations, enhancing the quality of life for Bossier citizens and developing a cultural identity for Bossier.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

It's that time of year again!! The holidays are among us, and if you are at a loss to find unique, handmade, gifts for friends and family then look no further. The BAC Gift Shop features arts and crafts from some of the most talented artists in the region. We have:
Jewelry
Embroidery
Prints
Candles
Sculpture...and yes, MARTINI GLASSES and so much more!
So come check it out, open Tuesday-Saturday, 11-6pm

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Just a reminder that Saturday, October 27th showing of Movies & Moonbeams at Mikewoods Parks has been canceled due to standing water at the location. We will resume the series on Saturday, November 10th with Grease at North Bossier Park.

One of the most exciting things about Bossier Arts Council's (BAC) East Bank Theatre is that such a variety of individuals utilize it for their productions. Opening next weekend (November 2nd) The Academy of Children's Theatre (ACT) will start their season with a production of Pollyanna. The well loved children's play is based on the novel by Eleanor porter and tells the story of Pollyanna, a missionary child, who becomes an orphan after both her parents die.

I had a moment to sit down and speak with Cynthia Hawkins-Whitaker about the production after their rehearsal this afternoon. (I must say I was pretty impressed by what I saw before the interview).

BAC: Why did you select Pollyanna to be your season opener?

WHITAKER: Pollyanna is the 5th production in our Children's Literary Series. In the past five years we've put on a variety of productions based on classic youth novels including, but not limited too, The Diary of Anne Frank, Little Princess, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

BAC: Can you tell us a little more about your Children's Literary Series?

WHITAKER: The goal is to introduce a modern audience to children's classics. The production was made popular by a very famous Disney movie from the 1960s but younger individuals are less familiar with it. We hope to encourage our audience to learn more about these classics through an approachable manner.

BAC: Do you think choosing literary classics influence your actors?

WHITAKER: Yes, I do. Many of the kids read the novel to get ready for auditions or to learn more about their specific characters.

BAC: What do you think the central message is in Pollyanna?

WHITAKER: I think it's a simple one. Always find the good in every situation. I think that's a message that everyone needs to hear, particularly now.

BAC: Why do you work with children in Theatre?

WHITAKER: I worked in Los Angles for the longest time as an equity actor. Then I decided to go back to school for education. I think mostly because I wanted to give back to all the teachers who influenced me.

BAC: What is one reason why people should come see this production?

WHITAKER: It is a great family show. Also it's an obscure piece in the fact that it features period costumes, sets, and props.

If you are interested in catching a performance of Pollyanna be sure to get your tickets while some are still available. The production runs November 2nd & 3rd at 7pm, November 4th at 2pm and the November 9th & 10th at 7pm, and ends on November 11th at 2pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 318-741-8310 Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm. For more information about the Academy of Children's Theatre you can visit their website.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Since Movies and Moonbeams was cancelled this week due to the weather, I was a little bummed that we wouldn't be doing our kids craft on Saturday. Instead, I decided to put it on my blog for today.

Homemade play dough

Ingredients

1 cup salt

1½ cups flour

½ cup water

2 Tablespoons cooking oil

Food coloring, if desired

Directions

In a large bowl, mix 1
cup salt, 1½ cups flour, ½ cup water,
2 Tablespoons oil with your hands or a spoon. Add a couple drops of food
coloring if you’d like colored dough. (If you use food coloring, stir
into the dough with a spoon to prevent staining on your hands.) Play,
then store in a resealable
container.

The Bossier
Arts Council Emerging Artist Gallery is thrilled to announce an exhibition of
artwork by regional artist Heather
Evans. Her show will feature a variety of mediums
and subject matters and will be on display throughout the month of November.

In Celebration of Overcoming by Heather Evans

Evans, a native
of the Shreveport-Bossier area, is a contemporary experimental artist driven by
a strong desire to challenge limits set by herself and her environment. She draws much of her inspiration from
day-to-day experiences with other people, as well as from local artists and
craftsmen.

When asked
about why she creates she responded “I want to encourage and inspire the viewer
to face their challenges head-on. I hope that this inspiration and
encouragement could somehow bring about a sense of contentment and confidence
in the individual. I believe that we are only able to see the degree of success
and happiness as it relates to the equal opposites of struggle and sadness.”
She sees her current body of work as just a preview of what is to come.

The Emerging Artist Gallery is a project of the Bossier Arts Council and
is committed to promoting art work of regional artists. It is located in BAC headquarters at 630
Barksdale Blvd. right off of I-20. You
can visit the gallery Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00am-6:00pm or by
appointment.

For more information about Heather Evans or the Bossier Arts Council
feel free to call us at 741-8310 or visit our website at http://www.bossierarts.org/.

We are so sorry to say that because of standing water at Mikewoods Park the Movies & Moonbeams has been canceled for Saturday, October 27th. We will be resuming the series on Saturday, November 10th with Grease at North Bossier Park. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Bossier Arts Council is proud to present our next installation of the Stop Over Saturday Series, Studio Spotlight. This is an opportunuity to meet our artists in residence and tour the bac facility. The artists will be giving demonstrations, allow you an inside view of their work process and answer any questions you may have. The tours are at 10am, 12pm and 2pm at 630 Barksdale Blvd. Bossier City, Louisiana, for questions please call (318) 741-8310 This event is free to the public. We look forward to seeing you here!

The Bossier
Arts Council, Robinson Film Center, and Bossier Parks are thrilled to announce
their second film in the fall line-up of Movies & Moonbeams Wallace & Gromit: The Case of Were-Rabbi.t The film will show on Saturday at October 27th
at Mikewoods Park (Dennis Street). BAC
will be providing free kids craft (make your own play-doh) at 5:30pm with the
movie starting at dusk.

This 2005
film has been awarded numerous awards including “Best Animated Feature Film” at
the 78th Academy Awards.
Wallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, set out to discover the mystery
behind the garden sabotage that plagues their village and threatens the annual
giant vegetable growing contest.

So bring a
picnic dinner, some blankets, and your movie watching self and join the Bossier
Arts Council and the Robinson Film Center for a good time!!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Recently at the Bossier Arts Council we were given the opportunity to expand our gallery space beyond the walls of our headquarters. This is becoming a gem in the community because local businesses see the potential to increase the appeal of their spaces while at the same time giving local artists a space to display their artwork. I had a conversation about this expansion with an artist and was completely shocked by their response of "My artwork can only hang in a gallery." As a person whose job it is to match buyers and sellers I found this opinion to be against the basic principles of business. If you have artwork to sell and an opportunity opens up for you to sell the artwork, TAKE IT!! Many artists in this area have closets/studios full of artwork that no one sees and are simply collecting dust. I feel that it is the responsibility of artists and arts organizations to raise awareness of original art and find ways to display it. Please let us know of ways we can help you as an artist promote your artwork and sign up for our Artist One Stop classes to learn about what it takes to be an artist both creatively and financially.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Visiting Pet Savers was very sad and moving. There were lots of dogs and cats; some of the
dogs were not in cages and could walk around, but most of the dogs were in
pens. They do get out every once in a while to play and use the bathroom. The
dogs were very sweet, as the ones that were not in cages came up to me and were
very happy to see me. The cats were nice as well and they also were able to
lounge around, as they not in cages as well.

The stories of the animals were the saddest part of visiting
the shelter. Most had been abandoned or surrendered to the shelter. Some of the
dogs, especially the Pit Bulls, had been or, will be, at the shelter their
whole lives. Many of them, especially the ones that have been there a long
time, are never adopted. Some of the
owners who surrender their dogs put their dogs over the fence, thinking they are
saving them, but they really are not as some of the dogs kill them.

Photograph by Carson Grill

One story about one of the dogs was particularly moving and
sad. One look at this dog and you would know that it was loved and cared for.
It had a pink sweater on and was very energetic. It looked confused like it
didn’t know what it was doing there. Its owners had abandoned their dog at the
shelter after they learned that they were expecting a baby and decided they
couldn’t keep the dog.

It is a sad story that could have been prevented. Dogs are
not disposable just for your convenience.
There are many other dogs and cats like these who need a home. It is
people like you who can make a difference. One is by adopting at an animal
shelter, or if you are not ready for that commitment yet, you can make a
donation to an animal shelter like Pet Savers. If you would like to donate,
please come by my art show which is on November 10th, and make a
donation if you wish. I hope to use art to make a difference in an animal’s
life since just helping one animal can make a big difference.

Many animal shelters are in dire need of donations and
supplies to keep caring for and loving these animals. Also, spay and neuter your
pets to prevent more animals from entering animal shelters.

Bossier Arts Council is proud to announce that our featured artist for the bac Gift Shop this week is Carola Nix!

Carola Angrick Nix was born and raised in Germany. She studied Interior Design and Architecture before arriving in the US. she is a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) Texarkana Chapter 222, the Shreveport Art Club, Bossier Arts Council, the Creative Art Connection of Bossier City, and roster member of the Northwest Louisiana Artist Directory of the Shreveport Arts Council. Occasionally teaching workshops in colored pencil art. All my art work is listed under my maiden name "Carola Angrick".

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Life in Pastels

By Trey Bryant

Pastel Society 2013 "Unique Pastels"

The Pastel Society 2013 gathered at the Bossier Arts Council last night to celebrate the opening of their gallery exhibit "Unique Pastels". Artists specializing in the craft of the pastel medium were able to admire, appreciate, and even purchase unique works of art from local professional artists. The gallery opening saw a turn out of nearly one-hundred guests, artists, and patrons who were treated to wine and refreshments all here at the BAC Gallery.

Refreshment Bar

The exhibit, "Unique Pastels", will be on display until November 30th of this year. So, if you are fan of pastels, or a coneseure of the arts do not miss your chance to see, appreciate, and even own some of these remarkable pieces created by local Shreveport/Bossier area artists.

Steven Belk (BAC Gallery Coordinator)

Leigh Anne Chambers (Executive Director)

Sold!

Frank L. Herbert""Snakes and Flowers"

Friday also saw the inaugural celebration for Frank L. Herbert's exhibit in our Emerging Artists Gallery. Herbert's Exhibit, "Snakes and Flowers", will be on display until October 27, 2012 and is part of our on-going dedication to showcase blossoming talent in the area. When in the downtown area, do not forget to stop by and check out these two amazing Galleries, and show your support for our local artists!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Liquid Watercolors from

Up-cycled Dried-Out Markers

Liquid watercolors are a versatile art supply that kids love to create with.
You know you have dried-out markers lying
around- so why not make your own liquid watercolors for free and in the
process break down those plastic markers and use for recycling and up-cycling.
To begin, take the markers apart-
you’re aiming for that ink reservoir inside the marker barrel, but
since you have to tear the marker completely apart to get it, you might
as well finish the job and recycle what you can! Even if your markers
aren’t Crayola brand, the method for getting out the ink reservoir will
be just about identical, although you’ll probably have to just trash
those marker barrels if you can’t determine if they’re recyclable.
Separate the ink reservoirs by color into containers with
well-fitting lids to hold the liquid watercolors. If you have a ton of
dried-out markers, you can use containers as large as Mason jars for
this project. Recycled pill
bottles and spice bottles would also be great containers.

Fill
each container about three-quarters full of plain water, then put one
end of each ink reservoir into the water. You’ll immediately notice the
bottom end of the ink reservoir turn white, but otherwise the ink will
dissipate into the water very slowly, so you may not see a difference
for a while. The containers will need to sit for several hours,
preferably a full 24 hours.
After about 24 hours, you should notice that the container of water
is well tinted, but nevertheless milk any remaining ink that you can
squeeze out of the ink reservoirs as you remove them from the
containers–this is SO messy, but quite worth it! (Gloves will prevent temporary staining of your fingers).

Thursday, October 18, 2012

One of my favorite things about working for the Bossier Arts Council is that we rent our space at an affordable cost to other arts organizations and groups. One of those very exciting clubs is the Shreveport Writers Club. We are very proud of their members accomplishments. Last night Dr. Anil Minocha shared with me the release of his newest book A Guide to Alternative Medicine and the Digestive System. If you are interested in purchasing a copy click here. Below you will find the publisher description.

A Guide to
Alternative Medicine and the Digestive System

A
Guide to Alternative Medicine and the Digestive System is unique in
that it provides answers to many practical medical questions, all in one
comprehensive resource.

This single-authored
handbook by Dr. Anil Minocha contains content supported by close to a 1,000
scientific citations. A Guide to Alternative Medicine and the
Digestive System discusses the supportive evidence, and addresses
safety issues, side-effects, and drug interactions.

Dr. Anil
Minocha is Board-certified in
gastroenterology, internal medicine, nutrition as well as fellowship trained in
clinical pharmacology and medical toxicology. This extensive background brings
a systematic approach to evaluating, treating, and managing patients with
alternative medicine options when treating conditions related to the digestive
system.

Readers will find more than 70 chapters of
succinct information written in a user-friendly format inside A
Guide to Alternative Medicine and the Digestive System.

Testimonials:

“Dr. Anil
Minocha is well-known for writing useful, practical guides for quality care.
His newest text, A Guide to Alternative
Medicine and the Digestive System is no disappointment. This is an eloquent
and elegant evidence-based approach to a challenging area.”

-Jack A. Di Palma, MD, University of South Alabama, Former
President of the American College of Gastroenterology

“Dr. Minocha is to be applauded for his courage in tackling
an issue, CAM, that the medical profession has traditionally chosen to ignore
in the hope that it would simply go away. That CAM has
stubbornly refused to disappear is a testament to its popularity with the
general population and demands that we take it seriously, analyze why it is
used and by whom and critically assess its efficacy and risks. For providing us
with an accessible, fair and comprehensive critique of CAM in the context of
modern medical practice, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Minocha."

-Eamonn Quigley,
MD, University College Cork, Ireland ,
Former President of the American
College of Gastroenterology

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The
Bossier Arts Council’s Wine Art Music (WAM) is thrilled to announce an
exhibition of artwork by regional artist Jerry Berg. His works will be on display in 1800 Prime
Steakhouse at Boomtown Casino from October 11th to December 2nd
with a WAM opening reception on November 1st from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. There
is a $15 entry fee for this event for a selection of wine and hors d’ oeuvres.

Berg,
a contemporary realist painter, has been drawing, painting and printmaking from
a very early age. After working in graphic design, Berg began working with
traditional oils based on the old master techniques. When asked about his
creative process he answered “I owe obvious and conscious debt to the great
masters of 350 years ago. With every brushstroke, I strive to meet the example
they set; in balanced and graceful composition, clear observation and precise
execution. That being said, I live and work very much in the present day.
Although the influence is usually subtle, the modern sensibility inevitably
expresses itself. I take a real delight in discovering the marriage of these
two worlds.”

WAM is a group initiative between the Bossier Arts Council, Boomtown
Casino and the Shreveport Symphony committed to promoting art work of regional
artists. It is located in 1800 Prime
Steakhouse at 300 Riverside Drive, Bossier City, LA. The hours of operation are
Wednesday and Sunday 5-9pm and Friday and Saturday 5-10pm.

For more information about Jerry Berg or the Bossier Arts Council feel
free to call us at 741-8310 or visit our website at http://www.bossierarts.org/.

Saturday, November 3, 2012 tours are at 10am, 12pm and 2pm . We will provide a tour of the artists’ studios, where they will give a live demonstration on the making of their art, as well as, answering any questions tour patrons may have.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Continuing with the Halloween theme...this week we are making Yummy Mummy Pizza.As many adults know, cooking is as much an art as it is a science. The
process of tasting and adding new ingredients is an endeavor that children are excited to
undertake . Like adults, little ones have their own ideas about how things should be
done, which of course includes cooking. The mess and extra time
spent going at a slower pace is all worth it when that smile creaps across your little ones face! I started baking with my kids every Friday night as soon as my oldest was big enough to stand in a chair.Each Halloween we make these pizzas. The ingredients are so simple and can be adapted to suit any diet. I personally like using Grands Biscuits for the crust, but you can also use English muffins or bagel halves.

What You Need

1 can large biscuits

1 jar pizza sauce

1 pkg Mozzarella String Cheese

1 can (sliced) black olives

Make It

HEAT oven to 400ºF.ROLL out each biscuit to 1/4 inch thickness SPREAD sauce over biscuit dough. Pull cheese into
thin strips; place in random criss-cross fashion on top to
resemble mummy bandages. Add olives for
the eyes.
PLACE on baking sheet.
BAKE 10 min. or until biscuits are done and cheese is melted.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

An art show featuring pets and celebrating all animals
will be held at the Bossier Arts Council Annex to help raise money for Pet
Savers, a local animal shelter that helps find homes for homeless animals and
is a forever home for many of their animals that seek refuge there. The works will be by local artists and will be
on display and for sale at the annex on November 10th. Benton High School senior Carson Grill has
planned this show as part of her senior project, with the help of many
wonderful people in the community.

Pet Savers is a local, non-profit organization that
shelters many homeless animals who have been abandoned either by their previous
owners, or picked up from the streets. Helping
this local shelter will allow them to continue to care and love for these
animals. The artwork at the show will
feature animals to help raise donations for this wonderful organization. Don't miss out on this chance to help make a
difference in an animal's life!

The Bossier Arts Council is committed to promoting art
work of regional artists. It is located
in the BAC headquarters at 630 Barksdale Blvd. right off I-20. The BAC annex is
next door to the main BAC building. You can come visit the gallery and/or make
a donation Saturday from 3:00 pm--6:00pm.

For more information about the Bossier Arts Council, feel
free to call them at 741-8310 or visit their website at
http://www.bossierarts.org. If you would
like more information about Pet Savers you can visit their website at http://www.PetsaversShreveport.org.

The Academy of Children's Theatre will open its ninth season with the children's classic drama, Pollyanna. The well loved children's play based on the novel by Eleanor Porter tells the story of Pollyanna, a missionary's child, who becomes an orphan after both her parents die. She comes to Vermont to live with her spinster aunt and her joyous and positive attitude changes a town of bitter unhappy and miserable people.

The production will be staged Nov. 2, 3, 9. and 10 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 4 and 11 at 2:00 p.m.at the East Bank Theatre in Bossier City. Tickets are $15.00 each and reservations can be made by calling the box office at 318-741-8310. The production features 40 community theatre and youth actors and is directed by Cynthia Hawkins-Whitaker with costumes by Sara Archer, sets by Eugen Crook, sound by Robin Jackson, and music by Daniel Ley. Starring in the title role is Gabrielle Stimits. Joining her are Jan Reedy as Aunt Polly, Rose Smoak as Nancy, Graham Montgomery as Jimmy Bean, Eddie Tinsley as Dr. Chilton, Jeff Cowley as Rev. Ford, Jeff Luce as the Mayor, Kate Davis as Millie, Carly Braswell as Mrs. Tarbell, and Kolby Ledbetter as George.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Bossier
Arts Council is the proud home to Artist One Stop the only business resource
center managed by an Arts Council in Louisiana.
The center is here to help artists on their journey as
entrepreneurs. In the spirit we are
pleased to announce our additional fall class “Intermediate Photoshop”. The classes will be held at the Bossier Arts
Council at 630 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111. This workshop will be taught by BAC’s Board
President and local photographer Jennifer Robison. This hour and half long class are for those
more experienced in Adobe Photoshop. Each
participant should bring five images to work on during the course of the
class. Two sessions will be offered on
the evening of Tuesday, November 20th.

·5:30-7pm

·7-8:30pm

To register for the class please call 318-741-8310 or email us at leigh@bossierarts.org.
Space is limited and will be given first come first serve. Classes are free to Bossier Arts Council
Members. Memberships are $25 for
individuals and last for 12 months.

For more information about the Artist One Stop or the Bossier Arts
Council feel free to call us at 741-8310 or visit our website at http://www.bossierarts.org/.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

The Unique Pastel show, featuring artists from the Shreveport Pastel Society, will be in the Bossier Arts Council's East Bank Gallery from October 16th - November 30th with a reception on October 19th at 6pm.Lisa Young

Coral Rose by Lisa Young

Lisa Young

Since I was very young I always loved painting, drawing and anything to do with art. I've never had any formal art training so what I do is all self taught. Eventually my interest and love of creating art became one of my passions, and I am so grateful that it happened that way. With the support and encouragement of dear friends I decided to pursue my passion and develop my skills to the next level. Although I'm still learning and developing my skills I'm happy to show you Young Heirloom Fine Art. - Lisa Young

Barbra Rushing

Barbara Rushing

Yellow Daisy

Barbara McMahen Rushing has a B. S. degree in Science, Business and Art Education from Centenary and has studied art with several nationally known artists. She paints in oils, pastels, watercolor, acrylic media. She enjoys learning, teaching, and painting. She's participated in numerous art shows and won awards in watercolor, oils, acrylics, and pastels.Barbara McMahen Rushing loves color and enjoys trying to paint the effect of light. Art is a fantastic activity!!!Judy Horne

Judy Horne

After a long, varied and satisfying
career in education, I retired, content with what I had accomplished and eager
to explore other facets of life that I had put on hold for so many years. Freed
from the constraints of daily work responsibilities, and joined in pursuits of
an artistic nature by my supportive photographer husband, we are able to travel
some and life is great.As I have discovered in all the other
phases of my life, the more one learns, the more there is to learn, and that is
what I am about: reading, listening, observing, going to workshops and
demonstrations, experimenting, stretching, failing, reevaluating, and
sometimes, to my delight, succeeding. Although I have no formal art
education, I have enjoyed study with many nationally known artists in
watercolor and pastel.

In addition to being a visual artist,
I am a professionally trained voice actor. It is so exciting to explore
an area so different from my other pursuits, something that I have wanted to do
for a long time. An opportunity to study the field came along quite
unexpectedly and I am thoroughly enjoying the adventure. My goals in this
area are to use my speaking and mimicry skills to bring audio pleasure to
listeners of all ages. This may take the form of commercials, PSAs,
instructional and training materials or audio books. Incorporating my
Scottish heritage and my Spanish language training adds a unique dimension to
my voice work.

A Detroit native who has lived in Shreveport for 22 years,
Pam studied drawing and printmaking with an emphasis on portraiture at Michigan
State University, where she earned her B.A. in Studio Art and Psychology. She
holds certificates as an assistant pre-school Montessori teacher and yoga
teacher and was program director for the Youth Enrichment Program in
Shreveport. In 2010, she directed a 21-parish project for the Shreveport
Regional Arts Council’s Arts-in-Education program. She is currently pursuing a
Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology at LSUS.

In the last few years her professional pursuits have
included art. Her photographs, in which she documents her trips around the
state and country, have been featured in several exhibits, including artspace,
Bossier Arts Council, and the Meadows Museum Triennial Competitions I and II.
In addition, she had her first solo show of pastels of nature, The Language of
Trees, at the Bossier Arts Council in 2011. In 2009 she participated in Katfish
4 Kids, a public sculpture fundraiser for Volunteers For Youth Justice, with
two designs: Mark Twain-Fish and Bistineau Blues-Fish. Pam contributes
regularly to the LPB Art and Travel Auction.

Wedgewood Bottle by Pamela Viviano

Pam has also taught yoga since 1994. Concurrent with
program directing and teaching after school classes at the Renzi Art and
Education Center and ArtBreak, Pam conducts workshops on art and yoga and
teaches private yoga classes for children and adults. She enjoys public
speaking and has presented workshops to many clubs and groups in the
Shreveport-Bossier area. She is a member of the Shreveport Pastel Society.

Fran Barlow

Trysts by Fran Barlow

Almost Okra by Fran Barlow

Pastel is Fran’s favorite medium. At the end of her third painting, Fran Barlow is hooked. The dust on her hands while working reminds her of helping her grandfather pick up potatoes from his garden and her hands had to be washed often. But what is a little dust? She loves the immediacy and boldness of pastel, the firmness of hard sticks when delineation is needed or the soft buttery sticks that shout, "Look here first and take a guided tour through this work.”

Kitty Wallis pastel paper is Fran’s first choice of support. She enjoys the clean, white paper. But for a change she uses a hard red stick to tone the paper. It is such fun painting on the red. Once the focal point is established Fran begins laying in color spots all over the paper. Her progression is from hard to soft pastel and from top to bottom. With continued perseverance he scraggly stage begins to take form. It’s as if the work takes on a life of its own. Fran and the work are in close communion. It is going so well. Fran is ecstatic, flying high, and so very appreciative of this gift.

The ultimate validation is when people engage me in conversation perhaps telling of an incident in their lives that relates to the work, or how the work flows, or how the colors, mood excite them, or this particular little gem is just what’s needed by the reading chair

Kay Smith

Kay Smith

Born in 1946, in Hope, Arkansas, Kay Smith is a Pastel
Artist. Although having no formal art
training, Kay has taken various workshops in oil painting and pastel painting
as well as studying under Christie Cassell, a gifted portrait artist in
Shreveport. Studying with Christie, Kay
gained much knowledge and skill in painting with pastels ,mainly learning to
paint portraits in pastels.

Floral Colors by Kay Smith

Kay has received numerous awards for her work and is a
member of the Shreveport Pastel Society, Bossier Creative Art Connection and
the Shreveport Art Club.

I have several different interests which include gardening,
reading, enjoying my grandchildren and a primary interest in art. Pastels, pencil studies and pen and ink are
my major focus. My main subject matter
is people, animals and landscapes. I
enjoy bright colors and am striving to be more impressionistic in my work
rather than quite so controlled.

Robert Smith

Candle by Robert Smith

Born in
Amarillo, Texas in 1945, Robert moved to Shreveport, Louisiana area in
1949. He graduated from Woodlawn High
School in 1963. His love of
drawing/painting was put on the back burner in order to provide for his family,
but when he retired from being an AC-Technician he finally began seriously
painting. Robert’s mother said the first
time (age 4) she gave him a pencil and some paper, he amazed her by drawing a
dog. He drew with pencil and charcoal
until age 44. At 44 he experimented with other mediums such as watercolor, pastels and
acrylics. A whole new world opened up!

As a self-taught
artist, he has learned from art magazines, books and the internet. Robert hopes to inspire other individuals,
that love art, it is never too late to follow your dreams. Robert is a
member of the Shreveport Art Club and Shreveport Pastel Society.

I paint for the sheer joy of creating something where there
was nothing. At this point in my career,
I paint only that which I wish to paint.
That is to say, I paint for the color, reflections, shadows and
refractions that catch my eye. I do not
paint abstractly, although I may try that style someday. I have only lately begun to sell my art work,
but many of my works are on display in the homes of friends and family, which
gives me great satisfaction.

I work
mostly with pastels and some acrylics and watercolor. I paint a variety of subjects; landscapes,
still life, seascapes, animal life and portraits. My choice of medium depends on the
subject. Subjects with hard edges and/or
reflection/refractions are generally composed with acrylics and the softer
subjects are composed in pastels. I try
to invoke memories from places and things we have all probably experienced.

Each new
painting is also a learning experience.
I paint for me and hope someone else will enjoy it too.

Melba Miller

Melba Miller

I love art
and painting nature, animals, birds, landscapes, the light and I love
color. There is so much beauty to paint,
art helps to see the beauty in our world.
People think they can’t afford art for their homes, but they can and
should have it to enjoy.

I’ve been painting more than 25
years and have

Boxer by Melba Miller

taken many workshops.I
painted in oils for 10 years before I learned watercolor, acrylic, pastel and
collage.I learned art and the medium
doesn’t matter.My mentors are June
Tyler, Luphilla Middlebrooks and Shelia Parsons. The more I learn, the more I want
to learn – you never stop learning. I’ve been a member of the
Shreveport Art Club, the LA Society of Animal Artists and the Pastel Society
for many years and won many awards.I’ve
participated in the Artport Show at the Municipal Airport for many years and
have sold from these shows.

Ginger Elliot Briggs

Ginger Elliot Briggs

Jellyfish by Ginger Elliot Briggs

Ginger’s
formal art education began in 1978 at the age of 12 under the tutelage of Larry
Casso, owner of Baton Rouge Fine Arts Academy, which she attended for five
years. At BRFAA, Ginger learned the “Old
Masters” technique of drawing and painting while working in several mediums:
charcoal, pastel, pencil, scratchboard, pen and ink, watercolor, gouache and
acrylic. Today, Ginger’s most recent
works include landscapes and animals in pastels and watercolor, and several abstract
pieces in watercolor and mixed media.
Ginger is currently a member of the Shreveport Pastel Society and Bossier
Arts Council.

Carolyn Pitts

Carolyn Pitts

Carolyn Pitts is a Louisiana wildlife artist and
photographer who lives with her husband in Benton, Louisiana. A wildlife
conservationist at heart she specialists in landscapes, wildlife and pet
portraits. She fell in love with the outdoors in South Louisiana hunting and
fishing with her husband, Jeffrey.

Mike by Carolyn Pitts

It is through Pitts' personal travels and experiences that
she is able to bring such beauty and depth to her paintings. She has traveled
as far as the South Louisiana wetlands, to the Ozark Mountains, Colorado's
Rocky Mountains, Montana, Yellowstone National Park, East and West Coast in the
United States collecting information and observing wildlife for her references
for her paintings. Her travels has also, taken her to England, Italy, Kruger
National Park and Tshuksudu Game Reserve in South Africa. Pitts experiences in
the wild, observing wildlife in its natural environment, capturing rare moments
with her photography and paintings brings her great artistic motivation. She
enjoys sharing the beauty of nature and
the sense of freedom with others through her photographs and paintings.

Pitts' is an active member
in Louisiana Society of Animal Artist, Shreveport Pastel Society
and Shreveport Art Club and Shreveport
Hoover Society. She teaches
art at her studio.

I am a self-taught artist and a Shreveport native. Most of my life has had some form of art
exposure. My mother used pastels and pen
& ink in most of her work which I always admired. She is the reason I wanted to learn to work
in the pastel medium.

The acrylic work came about when I was commissioned to do an
abstract piece and found that I loved the heaviness, boldness and color.

Marion Davis

Guidance has been provided by Barbara Russell and Fran
Barlow.

This summer, I was fortunate
enough to take a workshop with Alan Flattmann.
It was wonderful! I find I like
to work large and a little strong in color. There is a lot to learn and I am headed in that direction.

Although I have been an “artist” most of my life, I have
just recently put this talent to work by exploring acrylics and pastels. My mother is an artist and I remember fondly
some of the commissioned work she did when I was younger, in pastels. So, I have ventured there.

The texture and boldness of acrylics makes me happy, so I
work with them too.

Christie Cassell

Like many artists I spent countless hours as a child doodling on my Big Chief pad, and painting with my set of Prang watercolors. One of my favorite pastimes was sketching from old black and white photos of people. As a teen I discovered art classes in high school and became totally enthralled with drawing fashion ads and faces from magazines, as well as class projects such as drawing still-life setups, and landscapes. In college I pursued a degree in Advertising Design (before computers!), in which most of my classes were fine art based, and illustration became my strength. So it’s not surprising today that as a professional artist I lean toward the realist tradition and that my first love is still portraiture and figure painting.

The mediums with which I paint are primarily pastel and oil, and occasionally charcoal or conte crayon, although for years I focused on watercolor and still love its’ unbelievable transparency.

Althea & Plums by Christie Cassell

In still-life, landscape, or floral painting it is the lighting that intrigues me most: from the soft shimmer of low light, to the halo of back-lighting; or the bright and streaming sunshine kissing those objects and giving them form, life, and dazzling color. My focus this year has been on painting from life, therefore the still-life paintings in this exhibit are just that: painted directly from a set-up in my studio. In portraiture, each time I paint I fall in love with the glowing skin tones and subtly reflected colors under various lighting conditions.

My ultimate delight remains portraiture and figures; in seeing that person “come alive” on my canvas or paper. The very act of painting for its own sake is an adventure and extremely rewarding, but the icing on the cake is the appreciation from that person as they see themselves, or a beloved family member, captured forever with only paint and paper. It makes me smile.

Painting is truly, for me, a celebration of the gift of life! The joy of creating and constantly learning is the gift I’ve been given to share, and I’m deeply grateful.

Supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Louisiana State Arts Council, and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.